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Our pot-grown tree scheme: a three-course Christmas winner
Our pot-grown tree scheme: a three-course Christmas winner
It’s estimated that in the UK we buy about 8 million Christmas trees each year. Once the festivities are over, approximately 7 million are sent to landfill, where each one releases about 16kg of greenhouse gases (a whopping 100,000 tonnes in total) including methane, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. But there is an alternative. Pot-grown trees, because they’ve been grown in a container, can be replanted in the ground and live happily to tell the tale. With this in mind, Capital Gardens is participating in a scheme which will help reduce all that post-Christmas landfill. And by joining you can help to plant new woodland too.
Trees ancient and new
Currently only 13% of the UK is covered by trees in contrast to the EU average of 37%, and ancient woodland makes up just a fraction of this. You probably know that trees and woodlands are an ecosystem in themselves, providing habitats for whole host of wildlife including birds, insects and mammals. Bats, dormice, badgers and deer all thrive and survive in wooded areas, as do other vital organisms such as fungi, lichens and mosses. Trees also store carbon and play a crucial role in providing and purifying the very air we breathe, as well as helping to prevent flooding.
https://forestrycommission.blog.gov.uk/2022/10/19/why-woods-are-so-important-for-nature/
Ancient woodlands support more threatened species than any other habitat in the UK. They’re also highly effective when it comes to holding onto carbon and we need to protect them. But young forests may well play a part in helping to offset the effects of climate change too. It’s hoped that a new forest being planted by the Woodland Trust in Yorkshire will demonstrate this. Scientists will study it to see how flood mitigation benefits develop as new wooded areas grow. You can read more about this innovative project here: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/press-centre/2023/11/scientific-research-in-english-uplands-at-snaizeholme/
Our scheme
We want to do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint and support the planting of new trees so working with our suppliers, Needlefresh, we’ve come up a cunning plan:
- Step 1 – buy a pot-grown tree from your nearest Capital Garden Centre
- Step 2 – enjoy it and look after it over Christmas (you can find out how below)
- Step 3 – return it to us by the 15th January
- Step 4 – we’ll give you a 20% off voucher to spend on your 2024 Christmas tree
- Step 5 – your tree will be replanted, helping to create a new mixed woodland in Berkshire where it can grow and flourish for many years to come
Our trees are grown in the UK so also have a lower carbon footprint than those that are imported.
Looking after your pot-grown tree
Before Christmas:
Ideally, keep it outside for as long as you can and then, if possible, move it to an unheated area of the house such as a conservatory or indoor porch for a week before introducing it to a heated area. Having spent its life outdoors so far, and experienced the recent wintry weather, it will want to acclimatise before being exposed to unfamiliar warmth. There’s a lot to be said for adding a few decorations at this stage so you can make the most of it and provide a cheerily festive feature for your neighbours and passers-by to enjoy too.
Over the Christmas period:
Once you bring it in, choose a spot that’s not too close to a radiator or fire and try to avoid placing it next to a large south-facing window. Too much heat will mean that it starts to dehydrate and the needles may begin to drop. If you look after it well, it should remain healthy for about 10-14 days indoors.
Your tree will be planted in a pot with drainage holes so put a plant saucer underneath. Like all plants it will need water so test with your finger to check the moisture level of the compost, every day if you can. (Think of it as part of the Christmas ritual.) It won’t be happy sitting in water all the time but may need more than you’d expect. If the first one to two inches feel dry, give it a drink – just being careful not to give it more than it can cope with. Although this may sound complicated you’ll find you get to know your tree’s requirements after a few days!
After Christmas:
Return it by January 15th to your nearest Capital Garden Centre where you’ll be presented with your voucher.
Blackcap, nightingale and nuthatch; three woodland birds with beautiful, evocative names. Thankfully all have increased in number over the last five years. But twenty three other species have declined and they need our help. Woodlands aren’t just important for wildlife, they benefit us humans too; we know the rewards of a walk among the trees for both our mental and physical well-being. With one of our pot-grown trees you can indulge in the seasonal celebrations, contribute to the planting of a new wood and reduce landfill. It’s a three-course Christmas winner.
